"Craftsmanship names an enduring, basic human impulse, the desire to do a job well for its own sake."
― Richard Sennett
That's a pretty one, isn't it? So, a Candy Apple Red Fender Deluxe Stratocaster body I ordered from Sweetwater showed up about a week ago, the final component needed for yet another guitar build.
If I had all the tools and gear to make a Stratocaster body from a plank of wood, I'd probably do it. But for now I must purchase finished bodies. Well, almost finished — the neck pockets generally need a little sanding or routing to get the neck perfectly positioned for player preference. Once the neck is installed, the rest of the "guts" are come next.
The pickups are placed into the body — these ones are Fender's Pure Vintage '59s.
Holes are drilled for the pickguard (and back plate) and all the plastic parts are put into place — almost like a snap-together model, testament to the genius of Leo Fender and his vision for a modular solid-body electric guitar. Final setup includes stringing, pickup height adjustments, saddle position/height, and intonation. When done, I like to leave a build sit for a day or two before giving it a plugged-in session to see how it shreds.
From beginning to end, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete a build depending on how things go. One needs to be patient and methodical so not to screw anything up, ding or scratch the finish. Naturally, the selection process in terms of body color, neck style, and pickups is also a big part of the process — it's cool to see and hear it come to fruition.
- Deluxe Stratocaster Body (Candy Apple Red)
- Maple neck with rosewood fretboard (CBS headstock)
- Pure Vintage '59 Single Coil Pickups
- Two-point Synchronized Tremolo
- 3-ply Black/white/black Pickguard
- Deluxe Locking Tuning Machines
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell